Saturday, June 2, 2012

TEST RUGBY: Wales Take on Barbarians

02.06.2012Barbarians (UK)RFC v Wales in Cardiff

Venue: Millennium Stadium

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview Wales has paid a high honour to the Barbarians Rugby Club by awarding its players a test cap for this match. It is a rather strange move as neither England (last Saturday) nor Ireland (Tuesday) awarded test caps for their games against the famous club. What is more, this Welsh side bares little resemblance to that that defeated France in March taking the Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam.

What is perhaps more important is that Wales will say farewell to one of its own and possibly another. Shane Williams will bow out of all rugby with his appearance for the Barbarians. It could also be Martyn William’s final test for Wales if he comes off the bench. It would be his 100th test for Wales if he does.

As far as the actual games goes it is expected to be a typical Barbarians match with free flowing back moves and open play. Well, hopefully.

A number of the Barbarians team has been drafted in due to injuries so combinations will be awkward and sluggish at best so I’m expecting Wales to win comfortably.